Later that day, as I walked through the construction area, I stared at Justin so much that I tripped over a can of paint, fell, and hurt my ankle. He raced over to me and scooped me up in his arms. All kinds of warm sensations flowed through my body as he rushed me to the one completely remodeled room in the farmhouse. 

Easing me down on a marshmallow-soft, leather sofa, Justin handled me like delicate glass. Checking my ankle for bruises, sprains, or fractures, he handled me equally as delicately. His hands’ tender touch on my ankle even made me tingle. I could only wonder what those strong hands would feel like on the rest of my body.

“Nothing is broken. I’m fine,” I assured him during his examination.

“No, you’re more than fine,” Justin uttered, staring in my face with a serious expression. “You’re a beautiful woman, Syneda.”

Blushing, I hid how much his compliment meant to me. “I’m also an older woman.”

“Age is just a number. Don’t you know that? I sure do.”

“No, it’s a little more than that,” I pointed out. 

“Oh, I disagree.” Looking introspective, Justin sat next to me. “When it comes down to it, a man and woman making each other happier than they have ever been is all that matters.”

After he spoke his wisdom, Justin continued staring at me with intensity. Knowing I was in trouble, I made a motion to get up. Just as I moved, his lips caught my mouth.